SupportShowcase Here we highlight the good work being done by stroke support groups from around the nation. If you are part of a successful
support group we should consider featuring, let us know!

troke Survivors Empowering Each Other,Inc. (SSEEO) offers support but isn’t yourtraditional stroke support group. Foundedin 2004 by survivors, caregivers and otherstroke stakeholders as a patient-supportadvocacy group, SSEEO has grown into a nonprofitthat provides advocacy, support, education andresources to stroke families.

With almost a thousand members, SSEEOoffers a variety of programs and services includingan e-newsletter, website, toll-free teleconferenceseries, Survivor2Survivor (S2S) post-stroketelephone support program, a walk/run for strokeand regional events. With these programs, SSEEOis able to reach families in Illinois and across thecountry. Originally sponsored by the AmericanHeart Association /American Stroke Association,SSEEO is now an independent, 501(C) 3 nonprofitorganization with an active board of directors.

Here are some of the ways SSEEO contributes to
stroke families and the cause of stroke in Illinois:

• The toll-free Lunch & Learn teleconference series
started in 2007 as a way to build community, provide
support and share information by connecting survivors,
caregivers, healthcare professionals and other stroke
stakeholders. The bi-monthly series covers a wide
range of topics from “Navigating Legal Issues for
Family Caregivers” to “Post-Stroke Depression and
Fatigue.” Anyone is welcome on the calls, though there
is a 60-person limit. All are recorded and uploaded to
the SSEEO website, where anyone can listen.

• SSEEO put on its 10th annual stroke conference
in 2015. The stroke conference draws survivors,
caregivers and healthcare professionals from across
the Midwest. The conference provides participants
with inspiration, support and tools to bring back
to their communities. The conference included
“Driving and Transportation after a Stroke,” “Music
Therapy” and “Emergency Preparedness for

• Regional conferences• Survivor2Survivor (S2S) post-stroketelephone support calls• Stroke Can Happen at Any Age• Walk/run for Stroke• Toll-free Lunch & Learn teleconference series• Lobby Day at the state capitol in Springfieldand in Washington, D.C.